India edged arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling semifinal to enter the men’s hockey final at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday.
India made a strong start and took a 2-0 lead in the opening quarter, with captain Harmanpreet Singh converting two penalty corners with powerful dragflicks.
Pakistan earned their first shot on target in the third minute, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made the save. India won their first penalty corner a minute later and Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finding the net through Ali Reza’s legs.
Harmanpreet doubled India’s advantage in the 13th minute with another powerful dragflick from a penalty corner, sending the ball low and hard past the post defender and rusher.
Pakistan earned several penalty corners towards the end of the quarter but India held on to their two-goal advantage.
India continued to dominate in the second quarter and extended their lead in the 24th minute. Shilanand Lakra made a run down the left before sending a pass towards Sukhjeet Singh, who deflected the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
Pakistan pulled one back in the 29th minute when Abu Baker’s dragflick struck Mohith and the ball rolled into the goal, leaving India 3-1 ahead at half-time.
India controlled much of the third quarter but failed to add to their lead. Pakistan stepped up the pressure towards the end of the period and capitalised after Dilpreet Singh received a green card in the 44th minute, with Hannan Shahid scoring to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Pakistan completed the comeback in the 49th minute when Waheed Rana scored after a move into the circle from the right, making it 3-3.
With the match level, both teams pushed for the winner. Pakistan earned a penalty corner in the 54th minute, but Sufiyan’s dragflick was blocked by Amit Rohidas.
India won a penalty corner with around 90 seconds remaining, but Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision and it was overturned, with India awarded a free hit instead.
India finally found the winner with just 50 seconds left. Abhishek’s initial effort was saved by the goalkeeper, and the rebound was also blocked, but the ball eventually deflected off a Pakistan stick and crossed the line to make it 4-3.
Pakistan could not find another equaliser as India held on to secure a dramatic victory and book their place in the men’s hockey final.
(ANI Inputs)
